Barrie girls to take on international competitors

Barrie girls to take on international competitors

BARRIE- The Barrie Spirit U15 Girls soccer team is headed to Iceland to compete for the Rey Cup and is, despite odds stacked against it, ready for any and all teams that come its way.
The Spirit is the only North American squad going to the 11th incarnation of the tournament. Players are excited to be representing not only the continent, but the city of Barrie as well.
Coach for the last four years Clive Spurgeon is proud of the way changes to the squad haven’t minimized the success they’ve had.
“Every year the team looks a little different,” said Spurgeon. “Different players means different ways to have to adapt; but we managed to maintain a success rate that has seen the team promoted twice in the last three seasons along with six tournament championship trophies.”
The tournament, which runs from July 20 to 24, is stacked with teams of 16-year-olds. While the Spirit girls have had to work twice as hard to prepare for the older competition, Spurgeon believes it will serve them well in the future as well as in Iceland.
“Tougher opposition forces you to compete harder and these girls have been training very hard since November to get ready,” said Spurgeon. “We have utilized various indoor facilities and domed areas until we can get outdoors in the warmer weather. Mastering drills is the main point we’re focusing on. We can’t control other teams, but we can control how we play against them.”
The last few years have seen great success at the women’s national level. A bronze at the recent London Olympics was a motivational tool for girls dreaming of taking the pitch with the Maple Leaf on their jersey. Spurgeon recognizes the importance of the national program and thinks that his girls are great examples of what Canadian athletes should be.
“These girls are not only skilled and still learning, but they’re a lot of fun to be with,” said Spurgeon. “They’re upbeat and willing to work hard. International competition is the pinnacle for women’s soccer and I hope to see success right across the board as the years go on.”
Fundraising for extra training facilities began in December with many businesses offering sponsorship for the team banner which will accompany them locally this summer to games as well as to Iceland. Corporate sponsorship came from Barriston LLP, Napoleon, and PetValu.
“This isn’t possible without local businesses,” said Spurgeon. “Barrie has shown us amazing support and we appreciate every contribution that we have received. There is no Iceland if our community hadn’t come through.”
The international soccer tournament consists of four days of games against UK and Scandinavian countries at the Laugardalur Sport Center in Reykjavik, Iceland.
For more information, check out the website at www.reycup.is.